Korali, dukaty

Beaded necklaces (namysto) are one of the oldest forms of women’s ornaments in Ukraine. They have many names – monysto, busy, korali – testifying to their long history and important role in Ukrainian culture. They are not just adornments, but also carried deep symbolic significance.

Traditionally, there are two types of neck jewelry: a string of beads called namysto, and coins called dukach. Combined together, they form a monysto or sometimes widely refereed to as namysto. Common materials are metals, stones (with corals often used to symbolize youth and health), wood, leather, glass, etc. They were generally protective or informative, for instance, they could tell how wealthy the family was as since six strings of coral beads could cost as much as a pair of oxen).